Influenza

Biography

Robert G Webster received his BSc and MSc in Microbiology from Otago University in New Zealand. In 1962, he earned his PhD from the Australian National University and spent the next two years as a Fullbright Scholar working on influenza in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He is the Rose Marie Thomas Chair of the Virology Division, Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Director, WHO Collaborating Center on the Ecology of Influenza Viruses in Lower Animals and Birds. He is Professor in the Division of Virology, Department of Infectious Diseases at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and Director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Studies on the Ecology of Influenza in Animals and Birds. His interests include the emergence and control of influenza viruses, viral immunology, the structure and function of influenza virus proteins, and the development of new vaccines and antivirals. The major focus of his research is the importance of influenza viruses in wild aquatic birds as a major reservoir of influenza viruses and their role in the evolution of new pandemic strains for human and lower animals. His curriculum vitae comprise over 480 original articles and reviews on influenza viruses. He has trained many scientists who now contribute to our understanding of the evolution and pathogenesis of influenza.

Abstract

Abstract : The impact of influenza virus ecology on pandemic preparedness